5. Priolo Environmental Center

The Priolo Environmental Center is a conservation center dedicated to the protection of the Priolo bird on São Miguel Island. It's located in the Cancela do Cinzeiro Forest Park, in the village of Pedreira, in the Nordeste region. This center is frequented by both tourists and locals as it holds significant importance and offers an authentic experience, especially for bird enthusiasts.

​

The Priolo (or Azores Bullfinch) is the main highlight of the center, being one of the most threatened bird species in Europe. This endemic species, native to the Laurisilva forests, exists only in the eastern part of São Miguel Island, so you can observe it at the center itself or in nearby natural environments like Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park.

​

The center provides a variety of activities aimed at the local population and visitors, allowing for a better understanding of the Azores' native species. Visitors can engage in different activities to discover the Priolo and its habitat.

​

Although it might seem at first glance that this activity is limited to birdwatching, it actually offers much more. Aside from getting to know the Priolo, you'll also have the opportunity to stroll through the Laurisilva forests and observe the fauna and flora residing there.

​

The center offers three types of tours: the Priolo Tour, focusing on discovering this bird (3 hours), the Laurissilva Tour, which explores this type of vegetation (2 hours), and the Viveiros Tour (2 hours), teaching you about the cultivation of native Azorean plants. Recently, a full-day experience has been added.

​

You can find more information on their website, and we advise checking the available languages for the tours when making reservations.

​

Useful Information:

• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (April to September), and weekends and holidays, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (February to September).

• Price: Priolo Tour: €35/person; Laurissilva Tour (€15/person); Viveiros Tour (€15/person); and full-day experience (€60/person).

​